Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
96. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the acreage of State land managed by the OPW transferred to the Land Development Agency for the development of residential units; the number of units that have been delivered; the number of acres that will be transferred to the agency in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39611/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works are the title holders of the Central Mental Hospital site in Dundrum, which is expected to transfer to the Land Development Agency for residential development. The site covers around 11.35 hectares and is currently leased to the HSE for use by the Central Mental Hospital.
In August 2019, the OPW facilitated the Land Development Agency in giving formal consent to the Agency to prepare its planning application for the site to be developed for housing purposes.
However, the transfer of the site is subject to the legislation underpinning the powers and functions of the Land Development Agency being put in place by my colleague, the Minister for Housing and Local Government. In addition, the Land Development Agency is aware that any development on the site will depend on the relocation of the Central Mental Hospital to a new site in Portrane. I understand that the HSE is working towards a target date of 2020 for the National Forensic Mental Health Service which will replace the Central Mental Hospital to become operational at Portrane. The site at Dundrum will have to be vacated by the HSE and the Hospital before the Land Development Agency can begin substantial works.
